Concept of Divine rapture in Islamic Mysticism

Since there are different definitions and concepts of divine rapture in mystical texts, in this study we survey, classify and analyze the issue of divine rapture in mystical prose texts to the seventh century AH. The results of this study show that divine rapture in mystical texts has not always been used in one sense. Some of these concepts are: vision, ecstasy and negation, journey in spiritual states, choosing and selecting, seeking, God’s help and favor, and to be released of slavery of self. In most of these definitions, rapture is considered to be absorbed by God and in other definitions it has been interpreted as the absorbing of servant to God (seeking). The study of the concept of divine rapture shows that if it is a gift from God, it is not be achieved without preparation of the conditions. In fact, the servant provides the preparations of receiving divine rapture with self-purification. According to mystics, Divine rapture has different stages. So that in every stage, there is a kind of rapture. In a general division divine rapture is divided to general and specific kinds. Another kind of divine rapture is that God has given the soul in eternity.